28 July 2006

NATO Council green-lights Afghanistan expansion Background NATO in Afghanistan News NATO- ISAF expands to Southern Afghanistan Multimedia Map of Afghanistan showing the Provincial Reconstruction Teams Links NATO ISAF website On 28 July, the North Atlantic Council gave final authorization for the NATO-led mission to expand its area of operations to six additional provinces in the south of Afghanistan, boosting NATO’s presence and role in the country. The decision follows consultations with non-NATO countries that are contributing troops to the mission. NATO will now assist the Government of Afghanistan in providing security across approximately 75% of Afghanistan’s territory. “This is NATO delivering on its commitment to Afghanistan,” said NATO Spokesman James Appathurai. Activation Order The decision will be implemented following the issuance of an Activation Order for the Transfer of Authority by General James L. Jones, NATO’s top operational commander. This is expected for Monday, 31 July. On that day, NATO will take command of four additional Provincial Reconstruction Teams - in Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces - bringing the total number of NATO-led Provincial Reconstruction Teams to 13. The number of troops under NATO command will increase from the current 10,500 to approximately 18,000, nearly doubling the number of forces NATO is leading across the country. Most of these forces are already in place in Afghanistan. They will be transferred to NATO command once the Activation Order is issued by General Jones. The expansion of NATO will also see the Alliance taking on a greater role in training Afghanistan’s security forces. This will include deploying small groups of experienced officers and NCOs that will coach and mentor the Afghan National Army units to which they are attached.